Lamborghini goes green with the 2018 Urus hybrid SUV

The Italian automaker Lamborghini has unveiled its first plug-in Hybrid model for 2018. In an interview with Autocar, R&D chief Maurizio Reggiani confirmed the SUV “Urus” would be the only hybrid in the Lamborghini line-up to be offered alongside a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 Urus.

The hybrid Urus will be the first Sports Utility Vehicle the company releases since the launch of the LM002 in 1986. It will probably be exhibited next year and be available to purchase sometime in 2018.

All the details about the new hybrid are still unknown, as the project is still in a developmental phase. However, Reggiani did share some details about the new SUV.

The Urus will feature a twin-turbo V8 engine. He said the designers chose this option because they wanted more torque on a Lamborghini Sports Utility Vehicle.

The Urus is not the first hybrid car bearing the Lamborghini brand

Lamborghini has proven electric cars can be compelling machines. They can perform at the same levels of their diesel, uncustomized, counterparts.

The company developed a concept hybrid car called Asterion. Also known as the LPI 910-4, it can produce 910 horsepower with its 5.2-liter V10 engine plus three other electric motors.

Following the steps of the Audi Q7 and the Bentley Bentayga, which are considered super hybrids, the Urus will count with 48V-powered active anti-roll suspension.

Reggiani added the design of the new SUV would follow Lamborghini standards. He said it had evolved considerably since the 2015 concept, and that the finished product is much better inside out.

The executive said the all the hybrid Uruses would feature Turbocharging to support the high amount of torque they have.

Is Lamborghini turning to EVs?

According to the Lamborghini R&D Chief, the Urus is going to be the only hybrid vehicle in the company’s roster. That statement puts many brand fans at ease because rumors were saying the car maker would remake its chain of production to favor green standards.

SPOTTED: A Lamborghini Urus 'test mule' (an Audi Q7 that the marketing team has driven into a giant monochrome bin bag) at Munich airport pic.twitter.com/sP2LWQeoBR